SCOUTER Feature:
Because of My Child
How/Why We
Get Involved - AIS Report 2
by MaryAnn Gardner
AIS Survey Question:How/why
did you become involved in Scouting as an adult?
Because
of my child is the #1 answer. There is certainly no better reason for deciding
to participate. The welfare of our children is not only the number one reason adults join
Scouting, it is also the number one reason adults remain in Scouting. Sure, we stay for
the fun, the friends, the excitement, the satisfaction. But, if we prioritized our
reasons, the Scouts would come first. The only difference from when we first joined and 2,
10, or 30 years later is that the number of children has changed from just our own son to
that of entire Unit rosters.
There are many other reasons commonly given for an adult's
initial involvement in Scouting. You might be one who says "My wife/husband/child
volunteered me" or "There was no one else who would do it" or "I
remembered the fun I had". Perhaps you succumbed to the infamous statement uttered by
many recruiters, "It will only take one hour a week."
Whatever your reason, don't feel alone. We've all been
there. Read the responses from our Scouting community here on the NetCompass, to learn why
they joined. Then, take note of the years of leadership behind the response.
Years of dedication to the
program develop because Scouting delivers on its
promises. Leaders do see young people become young
leaders and prepared citizens. Scouting does encourage
good values. Kids really are encouraged to "do
their best", "be prepared", and "do a good turn daily" in a
program where FUN is a number one priority. The value
of the program is obvious from the many adults who return as Scouters, intending to give
back to Scouting some of the benefits they received as young Scouts. As for myself,
why did I decide to become a Den Mother two decades ago? Simple answer - because of
my child.
Scouters Tell You: How/Why We Get Involved
Scouters with 1-5 years Experience
Scouters
with 6-10 years Experience
Scouters
with 11-15 years Experience
Scouters
with 16+ years Experience
Related Links:
AIS -
The Adults in Scouting Survey - First Report
Twenty
Tips for Adults New To Scouting
Twenty More Tips For New Scouters |